June 22, 2007 : To Florida Panthers: Tomas VokounTo Nashville Predators: 1st round pick in 2008, the 58th overall pick in 2007 (Nick Spaling) and a 2nd round pick in 2007 or 2008;pick will be used in 2008

As you can see the past couple of years, there has certainly been some quality activity on draft day.

Last year, we had Vokoun and Toskala both moved on draft day for picks (including first rounders).

What I think is even more interesting is that there were also a couple of salary dumps in Adrian Aucoin and Manny Fernandez. Both players moved for relatively low cost just so teams could get out from under their contracts.

Could the Jackets take advantage of a similar situation? Pavel Kubina of the Toronto Maple Leafs immediately comes to mind. Would it even take the 19th overall to get him? It's no secret Toronto would like to move some salary. Maybe the 37th overall gets it done?

Looking back at the 2006 draft we see quite a bit of activity on draft day, including the Robert Luongo blockbuster. That was later followed by the Alex Tanguay and Pavel Dmitra trades.

When I think of moves the Jackets may make at the draft, I expect one blockbuster similar to the above (Marleau? Vermette? Umberger? Pitkanen?). I also look for a salary dump or RFA dump scenario (Kubina? Umberger?) where perhaps Howson can jump on a quality player for a relatively low cost (2nd round or lower or mid-level prospect).

One thing that is crystal clear, looking back on trades, I wouldn't count on any actual trade activity until June 20 when the pressure to get something done is at its highest. Of course, the rumor mill will be churning at high speed until then.

Something else to keep in mind is that if for some reason Howson fails to close any deals at the draft, history has shown that in the time between the draft ends and free agency begins, a few deals are still likely. The Lupul/Pitkanen & Fernandez to Boston deal from last year are good examples of such.